from: S. Param, via email
The general public is happy that the much anticipated Bersih 5 protest drama has ended without any untoward incident. Let’s hope that political and community leaders will focus on strengthening the economy.
The fact that the protesters were allowed to gather and state their stance peacefully without much harassment from the authorities indicates a healthy development and renewed bonding of the public and the police force.
Having said that, I wish to draw your attention to a video clip circulating on social media showing a Bersih supporter in yellow bringing along his pet dog (an adult German Shepard breed, I think) wearing a yellow Bersih vest.
Although the participation of the big pet dog and his master provided some side entertainment and attraction, it did not go down well with animal lovers.
It is simply an act of exploiting the poor creature, and it is unethical to expose man’s best friend (the dog) in a protest of this nature. It is cruel and can be construed as an act of animal abuse to expose a pet to an environment with a potential to turn ugly.
It is not cool but stupidity of sorts to walk a pet dog among a large gathering of protesters.
I urge the authorities concerned to take action to curb the unethical practice of bringing along pet animals in any protest of this nature. The Bersih supporter who walked his pet dog in a street crowded with protesters should be identified and taken to task so that it will send a strong message to others that this sort of unethical antics will not be tolerated.
If need be, revise the appropriate legislation to make it an offence to subject pets or any animals to a protest demonstration which has nothing to do with animal rights and welfare.
On behalf of animal lovers I appeal to members of public in future please leave the animals alone. Don’t drag pets into our street dramas, however cute and cool it may appear.
S. Param is an FMT reader.
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